Dr. Ettinger’s Biofilm Protocol for Lyme and Gut Pathogens

Important Note: In order to receive protocol information or help, on a biofilm protocol, H. pylori.., you will need to become a distance patient – Distance Patient Application. I truly do want to help any and all who are interested, but it’s finally gotten to the point where far too many people want free advice, treatment plans, personalized protocols, etc. I’m a firm believer in fair exchange and I feel I have done so by providing the information in this post.

I want to help you and I can create a tailor-made protocol for your individual situation. Please fill out the distance patient application (link above). If you have a specific question about the program please call me first at 714-639-4360.

Dr. Ettinger’s Biofilm Protocol for Lyme and Gut Pathogens

A specific question has been asked a lot lately, as to what is my protocol for busting through bacterial biofilm. This question has mostly come from people diagnosed with or those who think they may haveH. pylori bacterial infectionor Lyme disease. For additional information between the link between Lyme and biofilm, please check out this 2008 presentation: Biofilms of Borrelia burgdorferi And Clinical Implications for Chronic borreliosis by Alan B. MacDonald, MD. The reason that I’ve put this “biofilm busting / disrupting protocol” post together is based on this one fact: the day I discovered how to have an effect on bacterial biofilm or it’s communication, in the human body, was the day that chronic conditions, from the sinus to the prostate, were no longer a ‘project’, so to speak, to handle. I hope the data below is helpful to you in your search for information or health restoration.

First a little background on – what is biofilm

Figure 1: The life cycle of biofilm. 1: individual bacterial cells populate a surface. 2: The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) is produced and attachment becomes irreversible. 3 & 4: Biofilm architecture develops and matures. 5: Single cells are released from the biofilm.

Definition: A complex structure adhering to surfaces that are regularly in contact with water, consisting of colonies of bacteria and usually other microorganisms such as yeasts, fungi, and protozoa that secrete a mucilaginous protective coating in which they are encased. Biofilms can form on solid or liquid surfaces as well as on soft tissue in living organisms and are typically resistant to conventional methods of disinfection. Dental plaque, the slimy coating that fouls pipes and tanks, and algal mats on bodies of water are examples of biofilms. While biofilms are generally pathogenic in the body, causing such diseases as cystic fibrosis and otitis media, they can be used beneficially in treating sewage, industrial waste, and contaminated soil. The American Heritage® Science Dictionary

Princeton researchers have for the first time revealed the mechanism of how bacteria, cell by cell, create protective masses, called biofilm. (link)

Pic. A simulation of the bacteria Vibrio cholerae forming a biofilm, with each slightly curved, rod-shaped unit indicating individual bacteria. The architecture shows vertically oriented bacteria at the biofilm’s center and horizontally oriented bacteria at the bottom, adhered to the surface upon which the mass is growing. Credit: Image courtesy of Bonnie Bassler, Howard Stone, Ned Wingreen and Jing Yan

Biofilm and Chronic Infection: Key Points (my additions and comments are in RED)

Excerpts from a Klaire Labs,product monograph, which is a basic primer on the topic of bacterial biofilm.) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that 60% of all human infections and 80% of refractory infections (def. unresponsive to medical treatment)are attributable to biofilmcolonies. I have seen this, most commonly in cases, I’ve worked up where the pathogen is: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori, [Lyme disease – Borrelia burgdorferi], and Candida albicans.

– The protection conferred upon microorganisms(primarily gram-negative bacteria)by biofilm allows them to achieve a high level of antibiotic resistance,stealth, and invisibility.

– “…. Once established, however, biofilm infections persist. They are rarely resolved by host defense mechanisms, even in individuals with healthy innate and adaptive immune reactions. Active host responses, such as invading neutrophils(the most abundant type of white blood cell in mammals and forms an essential part of the innate (inborn; natural) immune system), can even be detrimental since those cells can cause collateral damage to neighboring healthy host tissue. Biofilm infections respond only transiently to antibiotic therapy.”FromBiofilms Hypertext, Chapter 4 Biofilms in Health and Medicinecontributing authorJames Garth, PhD

– Depending on the type of biofilm, one or more species of pathogens may be found embedded in the extracellular polymeric substance(def. Composed primarily of polysaccharides and can either stay attached to the cell’s outer surface or be secreted into its growth medium). Bacterial extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) may be a carrier of, or may have heavy metals embedded in them, thus the indication for chelation w/EDTA. EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a chelating agent used to lower one’s body burden of heavy metals). This is why Interfase Plus and lactoferrin are so useful.

Pathogenic bacteria known to reside in biofilm include, but are not limited to:

Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme bacteria)

Escherichia coli

Candida albicans (yeast and fungal mutation)

Clostridium difficile (the most common cause of GI infection and a growing epidemic)

Clostridium perfringens

Helicobacter pylori (cause stomach ulcers and gastritis)

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Legionella pneumophila

Listeria monocytogenes

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Salmonella typhimurium

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Vibrio cholerae

Chlamydophila species such as Chlamydia pneumoniae don’t form a biofilm, as they are intercellular, but may somehow get accidentally caught up in them, before entering a host cell. Here is a good video on Chlamydia and biofilm (Video[biofilm section 7:45 min. mark] – Dr. Wilmore Webley on C. pneumoniae & Biofilms).

The number of human diseases shown to be associated with biofilm is ever expanding and includes:

Chronic bacterial prostatitis (chronic prostate infection)

Chronic rhinosinusitis (chronic sinus infections)

Cystic fibrosis pneumonia

Infective endocarditis (infection of the thin, smooth membrane that lines the inside of the chambers of the heart and forms the surface of the valves)

Strong evidence is also beginning to emerge for an etiologic(causative) role of pathogenic mucosal biofilm in gastrointestinal diseases,such as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis. Leaky gut and IBS may have biofilm as a contributing factor as well.

Dr. Marcus Ettinger’s Biofilm Protocol

A.Biofilm Busting Nutraceuticals

This is only a partial list of the nutraceuticals that can be used. Not all of these products will be or should be, used at the same time. Additional nutraceuticals may be needed, based on each individual’s unique situation and genetics. The key to a successful outcome is two-fold. First, it’s building a comprehensive protocol of both biofilm disrupting and antimicrobial agents. Second, is to make sure that all of the protocol’s ingredients are taken at therapeutic levels. If either of these key points is out, both money and time are wasted.

Lactoferrin(I like Nutricillin by Ecological Formulas) Dr. Anju Usman, “Our bodies make proteins, transferrin and lactoferrin, which mop up iron and block the ability of biofilm to form,” she said. “But pathogenic bacteria secrete iron chelators to snatch up iron and thus compete with the transferrin and lactoferrin for what they need to survive.”

Since 2007, I have been helping patients with ulcers, gastritis, and general GI distress, caused by H. pylori, and other biofilm producing bacteria. In the beginning, getting rid of H. pylori was fairly easy, in my opinion. As time progressed, I noticed that the H. pylori-biofilmprotocol that was up till now effective was now becoming less and less effective, on those receiving the H. pylori-biofilm protocol for the first time. There are now H. pylori strains that are now ‘multiple drug-resistant’ even in those who have never been treated – Why? The linked article states that these mutations happen by chance. Meaning, medically there is no real explanation for this, so they call it, “by chance.” Energetically there is a very good explanation, for me anyway, based on the research done byRupert Sheldrake, Ph.D., “Morphic Fields and Morphic Resonance.” Please read about his theory for further clarification.

Because of this new shift, in loss of effectiveness, in some patients, I have had to incorporate more than one round of products or add more products to the protocol. The end result has always been eradication but it’s now taking more to achieve this result. Also, there are many people contacting me and letting me know that they have undergone triple and quadruple therapies to no avail. This proves, in my mind, the biofilm itself and the bacteria that form it are learning to defend themselves more effectively. They are adapting and mutating, genetically and energetically, to survive. Good for them and bad for us.

My theory is that with the introduction of hundreds of blogs, chat-rooms and websites devoted to H. pylori, H. pylori treatment,and biofilm, more and more people are self-treating or getting poor treatment. This self-treating is not killing the H. pylori or breaking-up / busting through the biofilm but to the contrary, making them both stronger by building up biofilm defense. Every time a bacterial biofilm is unsuccessfully treated it becomes more resistant to the next protocol. When this is combined with the theory of Morphic Fields, it’s no wonder why H. pylori and biofilm eradication is becoming harder and harder to achieve. The point of all of this is that there is still effective treatment options available, it may just take a little more time and more products, allopathic (Prevpac or Pylera) and/or natural, may be required to get to the desired end result – H. pylori and biofilm eradication.

Personal note: don’t waste your money on Matula Herbal Formula. Many of the people that have contacted me, spent good money on the product with the hopes of it working. The Matula tea didn’t work, and they were unable to get the refund that was promised. Update: the company used to offer a 100% money back guarantee if you were retested after using Matula tea and you still had H. pylori. They do not offer that guarantee anymore. I wonder why.

Lastly, I am not against the concept of self-treating per se. The issue is that the information, out on the web, on biofilm and H. pylori eradication, is not comprehensive or clear enough for the layperson to be their own doctor or to successfully self-treat. I have always advocated and promoted that if you want to get better with or at something, you need a coach who is an expert in that field or subject. There are times and places where self-help is the best option, but biofilm and H. pylori treatment is not one of them. This is just my opinion.

B. Avoid

Avoid supplemental forms of minerals, especially: iron, magnesium, and calcium during the biofilm protocol, as they may contribute to biofilm formation or increase biofilm density, thus decreasing the overall effectiveness of the biofilm protocol.

C. Probiotics

Take a broad-spectrum probiotic and prebiotic. Probiotics and prebiotics may not be suitable for those with SIBO. This will need to be determined on a case by case basis. I like Now Foods brand Probiotic-10, Biotics Research BioDof 7 (does contain a prebiotics which may not be good for those with SIBO), Xymogen ProbioMax Daily, and Progurt. VSL-3can also be used (for a short period only) as well asElaine Gotschall’s SCD™ yoghurt. These products will help to crowd out the bad bacteria, and also help disrupt and replace biofilm colonies along the mucous membrane.

D. Beneficial Yeast

Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is another addition that will have positive benefits in any H. pylori, SIBO, or Candida eradication protocol.

A recent meta-analysis involving 14 RCTs (1671 patients) evaluated the role of probiotics in H. pylori eradication [Tong et al. 2007]. In patients with H. pylori infection, probiotic supplementation improved eradication rates and reduced treatment-related side effects and individual symptoms [Tong et al. 2007]. In this meta-analysis, only one RCT evaluated S. boulardii and found that it decreased the risk of diarrhea when given concomitantly to patients receiving triple eradication therapy for H. pylori [Duman et al. 2005]. S. boulardii induces morphologic changes in H. pylori cells consistent with cellular damage [Vandenplas et al. 2009] and was shown to cause a reduction in H. pylori colonization in infected children by 12% [Gotteland et al. 2005]. Of four RCTs testing S. boulardii in H. pylori infections, two were in children [Gotteland et al. 2005; Hurduc et al. 2009] and two in adults [Cindoruk et al. 2007; Cremonini et al. 2002]. Although there was no significant difference in H. pylori eradication between the S. boulardii and placebo groups, a significantly lower relative rate of AAD (16.1–25%) was observed. In a recent meta-analysis, the H. pylori eradication rate in the triple therapy group was 71% and increased significantly to 80% with S. boulardii supplementation [Szajewska et al. 2010]. Thus, S. boulardii may not be effective in eradicating H. pylori itself, but it is effective in reducing the side effects of the standard triple therapy (Prevpac).

E. Specific additions based on condition (Not a complete list)

Candidaalbicans – SF722*(10-Undecenoic Acid) Thorne Research. This is as close as you can get to a medication and still be a natural substance. There are a few chat rooms blasting this product, based on who knows what – can’t make everyone happy. I’ve used SF722 for over 15 years and it is amazing – never a problem! *Do not take SF722 if you are allergic to fish.ADP by Biotics Researchis also a dynamite product. There are many other amazing products that can be added to complement the SF722 and ADP. It’s really a matter of how many pills someone wants/doesn’t want to take per day or the severity of one’s condition, that will determine, if or which, additional products will be added. If the Candida albicans overgrowth is severe, has not responded to holistic methods or has mutated into its more virulent hyphal form/fungal infection (nails, underarms, groin or skin); Diflucan (fluconazole), a prescription medication, is my personal preference, but Nizoral (ketoconazole) can also be used. In Azole-resistant Candida albicans, lactoferrin must be added to either medication in order to increase their effectiveness. There are specific B-complex vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that possess synergistic properties and I find them indispensable when taking Diflucan (fluconazole), Nizoral (ketoconazole), and for supporting candida (yeast/fungal) treatment, and die-off symptoms.

Chlamydia pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa – One product I like isPneumotrophin PMG by Standard Process, Inc. I use this because it helps direct the body’s attention to the affected area and assists the body’s healing efforts to the lung, where it’s needed most. Apex Energetics’ H-PLR and serrapeptase are also a mandatory addition. I also like to useOOrganik-15™ andPneuma-Zyme™by Biotics Research with some of my patients who manifest asthma, a chronic cough and/or emphysema-like symptoms. IgG 2000 and Ig 26 by Xymogen, Restore, and Progurt may also be utilized.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis – Quercitin and Bromelain combination by Now Foods decreases inflammation and oxidant stress in the prostate while increasing local concentrations of beta-endorphins. Apex Energetics’ H-PLR and iodine is also a mandatory addition.

F. Diet

Specific dietary restrictions or addition will most likely be implemented. These will be determined on a case by case basis, based on many factors. After the desired result is achieved, there will need to be a rebuilding and regeneration protocol. This is as important as eliminating the biofilm.

G. Testing

Biofilm testing is available, throughFry Laboratories.Fry Laboratories, L.L.C. is an independent clinical diagnostic and research laboratory located in Scottsdale, Arizona. We are committed to understanding chronic diseases and contributing to their cure through advancements in diagnostics and basic science research with emphasis on chronic inflammatory diseases, vector-borne diseases, and their intersection. Our clinical diagnostic laboratory offers general and targeted immunology services in conjunction with standard and cutting edge infectious disease detection and identification technologies. Our signature services include microscopy for visual identification and quantification of a wide range of blood-borne pathogens, co-infection serology, biofilm detection, and genus-wide molecular detection technology with sequencing for individualized species and/or strain identification. We participate in both CAP and API quality control programs and provide worldwide testing service.

Important: This post is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician before starting any nutritional or biofilm protocol on your own.

Research

Effect of ciprofloxacin and N-acetylcysteine on bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on ureteral stent surfaces (PubMed)

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168 Comments

Ashley
on December 31, 2015 at 4:00 pm

I’m interested in perhaps becoming a distance patient. However, I first wanted to know if you have any experience treating candida glabrata. I have been diagnosed with a glabrata vaginal yeast infection and have gone through some failed treatments. I know part of candida glabrata’s virulence is due its ability to create tough biofilms, so I was wondering if you have treated it in the past. Thanks!

Ashley, I have treated a few patients with that. I would only feel comfortable with a protocol that also includes 200 mg’s a day of fluconazole (an MD would have to prescribe this). I don’t feel confident that a biofilm protocol combined with an antifungal protocol will get the job done, alone. If you are interested in a protocol that included fluconazole, please e-mail me directly at info@advancedhealing.com

Hi doctor ettinger I was wondering what you would suggest o yake to remove biofilm from the intestines for parasites and how long I would need to yake them for any help would be greatly appreciated . Regards nicole

This important note is located at the top of the post you commented on.

Important Note:

In order to receive protocol information or help, you will need to become a distance patient – Distance Patient Application. I truly do want to help any and all who are interested, but it’s finally gotten to the point where too many people want free advice, treatment plans, personalized protocols…. I’m a firm believer in fair-exchange and I feel I have done that by providing the information in this post.

I will help you and I can create a tailor-made protocol for your individual situation. Please fill out the distance patient application (link above) or if you have questions about the program, please call me at 714-639-4360

my dad has klebsiella pneumoniae in urine and has affected his prostate He cannot walk anymore .I was talking with a dr and she said to put him in hospital on Monday.She try to eradicate the Klebsiella with Imipenem drip but said the disease is chronic and created biofilms and is v hard to eradicate.I don’t know what to do to disrupt this biofilms..Anybody has any idea what treatment disrupt the klebsiella biofilms ? My dad is 86 yrs old.Thank you !

I have had a horrible stomach condition which has exactly followed your description of biofilms and how they adapt. I have been to 15 doctors over 15 years and gone through every test or diet, and tried every OTC remedy anyone could think of. One test showed positive for pseudomonas aeruginosa. I’ve long known my condition is a bacteria because it has been knocked down by antibiotics, but nothing ever eradicates it, and it adapts to everything. It is now worse than ever. It’s burping gas that keeps me from being able to sleep at night because of the volume of gas that keeps coming and coming. None of the doctors I saw even seemed to know about biofilms, but all were content to eventually give up on me because nobody perceives gas as being all that serious. But this is making me old 20 years ahead of time! Do you know whom I should consult, since you say I shouldn’t self-medicate?

Thankyou very much for info. I am in the hospital with pseudomonas. This is relapse after sepsis with the same bug after being incubated after neck surgery at HSS in NY. I also have had question of Lyme disease for years after having chronic “rsd” for 20 yrs and too many problems with every organ of my body to write. I had 2 different tests from Fry lab and found to have tremendous amount of biofilm. I had the infected infusaport removed and a triple pic line was put in which within 5 days already clogged with Fibrogen and had to be “rotor routed”. I have been taking “boluke” before my triple antibiotic regimen (on my own with dr Zangs Allicin) and now after reading your article am even more convinced I did the right thing and maybe saved my life. I have been very sick for very long and would like to get rid of this biofilm once and for all. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Cathy chahalis

Cathy, Yes you do have a few things going on. For now you may want to add-in Serrapeptase 80,000 units by AST Enzymes. This is more specific for your needs than Nattokinase or Lumbrokinase. 2 caps 2x/day on an empty stomach (30min before or 2 hours after food). 10% experience mild stomach distress if taken first thing in the morning. If this happens do the morning dose 2 hours after breakfast.

When you get out we should schedule a distance patient consult. Let’s get you better! I wish you the best.

I have bacterial prostititis (e-coli) which keeps recurring after courses of antibiotics (bactrim). My doctor may be recommending surgery if this keeps recurring.
Do you have a protocol I could try before I go the surgery route?
Help!
Gene

Hi Dr Ettinger, what a great source of information. I cannot believe there is so little available information on bio films especially considering what a threat they are. I am wondering if you have ever heard anything about bio films in cosmetic hylauronic acid fillers ( apparently they are the perfect breeding ground) yes this is the stuff of sci fi movies! I believe they will become more common as these fillers are used more and more. Most doctors will not even discuss the possibility of bio films and have no idea how to treat them.

Please tell me what diet your recommend for a 5 year old boy with PANDAS. Would you go GPS or Biofilm protocol? Any supplements or ideas are appreciated. He has been through several antibiotics courses of cefdinir, augmentin, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. Thank you Dr. Ettinger for your commitment to health and humanity.

Does biofilm form in the bladder or urinary tract? If the culture test shows sensitivity towards a some antibiotics, however, the bacteria is not killed after completing the courses, does it mean biofilm has formed?

In this case will kirkman’s biofilm defense help? Is this biofilm disruptor also suitable as a prophylactic?

With only the data you are giving me, biofilm may be the reason why the antibiotics weren’t effective. Kirkman’s may assist the antibiotics to work better. It’s worth a try. Kirkman’s may also be a prophylactic. It’s worth a try as well. Good luck in getting the bladder issue handled.

First of all, thank you so much for providing all this information on your website!

I live in Germany and have Hashimoto (gave up any gluten and all grains about 10 months ago and have been on Paleo autoimmune protocol for the last month). Trying to heal my autoimmunity, I did a lot of research on it . First, I adjusted my diet and then started checking my gut. I got tested for H pylori and found out I have it. My doctor would like to try to treat it with oil of oregano and broccoli (sprouts extract, I believe, I haven’t seen the product yet). But I came across your approach with Monolaurin and biofilm disruptors. What would you do to eradicate H pylori in my circumstances? I would be so grateful for your advice on how to best treat it. Thank you!!!

My recommendation is the PrevPac (2 antibiotics and an acid reducer) combined with a tailored, biofilm-busting protocol. I can help you with that, but you would need to be an official patient for that. I do Skype consultations or over the phone. Nutritional supplements alone are no longer effective against H. pylori and I no longer recommend that approach. Here is a link to my distance patient program. http://www.advancedhealing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Distance-Patient-Program-revised-8-15a.pdf

Hide. Ettinger,
I have been struggling with constipation for 5 years. I have seen a general practitioner, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, physical therapy, naturopath, herbalist and functional medicine doctor. The functional medicine doctor is my currently treating my condition but we are struggling to rid my gut of pseudomonas aeroginosa. Have been gluten, dairy and red meat free since August 2014. Taking several supplements including, Armour thyroid, magnesium buffered chelate, vitamin D, barberry, saccromyces bhoularrdi, factor 6, paleo fiber, bio-adaptogen, ai enzymes, paleo fiber, emergency-c, and Eco drink. Is this protocol going to be effective for breaking down the pseudomonas aeroginosa? Also is there any signs to watch for so I know it is effective or do I need to retake the Genova stool sample test again? Also, why would my positive rod bacteria be so low? And does gut flora effect thyroid function? My free t3 is low?

There is a lot of stuff going on here. I would need a lot more data to do your situation justice. Here is a link to my distance patient program. I feel confident that I could help, we just have to do it right. As far as low free T3 goes, it could be a conversion issue in the liver, and you may need more selenium or your cortisol may be elevated and that will stop the conversion of T4 to T3. It may also just mean you need to start taking exogenous T3. I take GTA by Biotics Research. It’s T3. Thank you for the inquiry. http://www.advancedhealing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Distance-Patient-Program-revised-8-15a.pdf

hi dr marcus ,I am glad I found you ,I am suffering from h.pylori and parasites ,I hate to take the trpl antibiotic as I have my friend took it 3 times with no success ,i have sharp pain in my stomach ,so please if you lead me to the effective treatment and if i decide to take the trpl therapy should i take the biofilm breaker but dont know which one ,please i am lost and dont know what to do and the pain become more than before

Hi Dr. Marcus,
appreciate your continuous work and help you offer on your site. I am seeking for an advise too.
I have been having H Pylori for over 6 months. For the same time I have been eating a paleo type diet and low FODMAP.
My only symptom is bloating.
I have been taking several natural supplements over time mainly mastic gum, turmeric, triphala, cat’s claw, Matula tea and other, with no benefits.
My current practitioner has run a few tests to check for other pathogens, leaky gut, hormone imbalance and all were negative. Only H Pylori is positive.
She prescribed me a supplement consisting of protease and bromelain and another one (echinachea+olive leaf) to break down the biofilm. After a month however I don’t have any benefit.
I am now looking at trying Interfase Plus and Monolaurin
Do you have any suggestion?

I’ve had UTI 2 years ago and it was caused by e.coli, due to sexual activity. It was so hard to get rid of it after several rounds of antibiotic and then for 2 years, I didnt feel any UTI symptoms, though I felt that urinating in the morning was heavy and it felt like I was peeing condensed pee even if it wasnt.
Now, after just one intercourse, I ended up having UTI due to e.coli and it’s been really stubborn. I experienced hematuria 2x in 2 months and it’s mostly because I get diarrhea from laxatives. I’ve had 3 cultures and it all comes back as e.coli, and then it would clear up but it would eventually come back. I’ve taken 7 rounds of different antibiotics, tried probiotics, dmannose, garlic, turmeric and olive leaf. And I’m also taking lactoferrin and kirkland’s biofilm disruptor but it takes so long for progress to show. I’ve had CT scans and blood and urine tests and it all came back clear. What’s your take on this? Could it be that the lactoferrin and biofilm disruptor is causing the e.coli to breakout and cause herx and purge?

Dear doctor,
i’m Francesco, a 30 yeras old boy from Italy.
I’m affected by asthma and chronic rinosinusitis with polyps.
I have founded a lot of studies that suggests to take macrolides, so i have taken azhytromicin for some weeks.
My asthma improved a lot,but any notable effect on my sinusitis..
Please,can you give me some advices (products)??
Why all doctors suggest antibiotics but anyone suggest antibiotics + antibiofilm protocol??
Thanks for your help…

I’ve had 3 cultured positive UTI’s. I think I’m working on a 4th. The first culture was positive for ecoli and the 2nd & 3rd with ecoli and klebsiellia pneumoniae. All 3 times I was prescribed macrobid, which seemed to help some but I still have ongoing burning with the ureathra (sp?).
I am now trying alternatives: d-mannose, interphase plus, lactoferrin and monolaurin. What else can I use to try to get rid of this?!

I am 54, menopausal and had a hysterectomy 6 most ago. I am using bioidentical estrogen vaginally to improve hormone levels.

I have lyme disease and because of the prolonged use of antibiotcs, yeast. I would like to treat the yeast with a biofilm buster that is effective against the yeast biofilm, along with something to kill the yeast. However I am concerned that I may be breaking up the lyme biofilm also letting loose it’s bacteria and have nothing in place to kill it.

Tricia, it doesn’t work like that. It’s not a container that surrounds the bacteria. Breaking-down the biofilm will make it easier for the body to identify the bacteria or yeast, and mount a defense against it.

Hi both of my cats have been bitten by ticks several times and wondering if I should get them tested for anything if you know? Also how does one know if they have a biofilm? What test would a doctor perform to discover this?

Christine, those are all good questions and I wish I had a good answer for you. I do not work with pet and haven’t even researched testing or treatments for pets. Please keep searching. Google it until you come up with an answer. Someone out there has it. I wish you the best of luck with this.

What do you recommend to heal a leaky gut with which I was diagnosed about 15 years ago? I have increasingly developed more and more food sensitivities that result in swelling finger joints and eruptions on facial skin, and I would suspect general inflammation. I had the ELISA test done then, and mostly avoid those foods (or rotate them as advised) that create an adverse reaction; but now there aren’t many foods I can eat without having a reaction. My diet consists of primarily organic foods, coconut oil (~2 Tbsp./day), and olive & avocado oils (used sparingly), various supplements & herbs, and I avoid products that have chemicals, preservatives, dyes, etc. I would greatly appreciate any light you might provide on some way to overcome this.

There are may products that may be useful, and ways to go about healing leaky gut, but I would need more data to recommend with confidence. If you are just interested in a recommendation, then ProbioMax Plus from Xymogen is a good start.

This is something I would very much like to bring up. Dr. Marcus Ettinger, have you any experience with Morgellons Disease and as far as that goes, do you recognize it as a real disease and not psychiatric?

I have been suffering with this for going on 7 years now. I can assure anyone this is truly a real disease, even though it is not in the normal realm of what we think of when it comes to disease.

Due to its most bizarre symptoms, Morgellons is a scary disease and it is filthy. One never feels clean. Your body is covered from head to toe with some form of film. The Charles E. Holman Foundation says that this substance is an overgrowth of Keratin. I don’t know what I think. I only know I had had some horrible stuff come off of my body through the aid of enzymes.

One of the most bizarre symptoms is that you can have hair that moves independently of itself. It is not air current or static. It is a very definitive way that these hairs move. Their structure is totally different of one’s normal hair also. What could possibly cause hair to move by itself? I know this is real. I have been suffering with it for 6 years now.

Even the fibers which protrude from the body have a distinct way of moving.

Once you have Morgellons you do not go into a hypochondriac stage, but you are very vigilant of the fiber is your environment and many, many of them are Morgellons fibers.

Dr. Marcus Ettinger, I would deeply appreciate your input on this epidemic which is world wide. Think about this. If it trulu were delusional like the CDC would like many to think, then why hasn’t the CDC done an investigation into why so may thousands upon thousands of people world wide are all of a sudden delusional. My personal opinion? The don’t do any research into this because they know Morgellons is real and they do not want to waste the money on a false investigation.

I have not had the opportunity to treat anyone with Morgellon’s first hand but I have helped a few distance patients. Each had their own needs and the protocols were unique to each of them. If I could actually have a patient in-front of me I feel it would help me to further appreciate the condition and the individual.

I am from India and i am suffering from H.pylori infection for the last 29 years may be before Mr. Marshall has identified this dirtiest bug. I was first diagnosed in 1985 as Chronic intestinal ameobiasis with hyper acidity(mild duodenal ulcers). During that time due to lack of awareness and not knowing h.pylori doctors went on prescribing anti ameobic drugs with simitidine and ranitidine and many ppps. This continued for 24 years but for the last 5 years my position has worsened and i was tested +ve for H.pylori in Delhi, bombay, Bangalore and Hyderabad with Grade A esophagitis. I underwent 3 times antibiotic course with Nitazoxanide, Levoflox, PPI etc., but no relief.

Now i have become highly susceptible to multiple food senstitivities seems to be leaky gut issue. When i dont get recovery from antibiotics i keep on searching for herbal treatments. I have gone through many of the blogs/researches and started taking herbs like, Mastic gum, Monolaurin, goldenseal, burdock root, oregon grape, apple cidar vinegar, nutricillin, zinc carnosine, worm wood, Thyme(artecin), recently got gastromend HP,pyloricil, DGL licorice, Cats claw, Ultra MFP forte, pine nut oil, matula tea etc., I agree that i have not followed a systematic regimen due to lack of awareness and esp for this biofilm forming bug.

For 20 years, i had my stools covered with mucus and for the last 5 years i had diaharrea once or twice. I have rumbling mucus sound in the entire gut. The pain in duodenum is not able to subside with an exception during herbal medicines. I have cramping the whole night and not able to sleep. I have acute sinus and ear issues coming out of h.pylori. I have become highly susceptible to multiple food sensitivites and has very little option for following paleo diet as we in india like vegetarian diet. If my disease is not treated i am fearing as i may die.
Now after reading your blog on biofilm, i have ordered serrapeptase, lumbrokinase and GI microb from amazon.com apart from above medicines. I have lost 15 kgs wt and going weaker day by day. One of the greatest problem in india is that these herbals are not available in india. Even though some are available, they are not supplied in bulk to US.

Could you please guide me, how to follow exactly the biofilm protocol for h.pylori with the medinces available with me(Mastic gum, Monolaurin, goldenseal, burdock root, oregon grape, apple cidar vinegar, nutricillin, zinc carnosine, worm wood, Thyme(artecin), recently got gastromend HP,pyloricil, DGL licorice, Cats claw, Ultra MFP forte, pine nut oil, matula tea, serrapeptase, lumbrokinase, GI microb, epazote leaves). I request you to kindly give the highly effiecient high dosage protocol to eradicate as i believe h.pylori in me has become highly virulent, antibiotic/may be herbal resistant and evolved in various races. Please prescribe easily available EDTA/chelates not containing iron and calcium. I am ready to try the eradication sooner rather than to die.

I am ready to pay your fees on-line if you give me standard protocol with the above medicines with me. If any more medicines needed, you please guide me from where to buy them. Till then with the available medicines i want to start as i am desparate and painful to spend even an hr of my life on this beautiful planet.

Hello Dr. Ettinger, I’m curious to know your thoughts on activated charcoal. I’ve heard recently it’s very helpful for shedding. I have a young son who has autism with major GI/Leaky Gut. I have tried to research more on this, but, not a lot outside of a few parent blogs and how helpful it is whrn taken 2 hrs aftermeds. Also, I’d there a specific test for biofilm? And is it blood or stool, etc? Thank you.

I have not used activated charcoal much in my practice, so I can’t give a confident yes or no that it will help or not. here is a link to Fry labs. Fry is the only lab I know of doing biofilm testing. http://frylabs.com/services-list/biofilm/

Hi, i have been on the supplement “biofilm defense” by kirkman labs for 10 days and it has now passed 2 days since i stopped it and i still feel worse then when i started taken the supplement. I read somewhere that heavy metals are realesed when the biofilm is broken up and that one should get rid of it or it will only be circulating in the body creating trouble. Is this true? And how might one get rid of it? With edta supplements? Thanks

Sebastian, the worst thing people can do is to self-treat without knowing exactly what is going on inside your body. If you know you have diabetes then you can look-up diabetic diets and what supplements are helpful to lower blood glucose. Anything wrapped-up in biofilm is another story and is not something to be self-treating. The more you mess with those bacteria the more you piss them off and the more resistant they become to eradication.

I’m sorry but I have no idea what you would feel worse after the Biofilm Defense. It’s just an enzyme formula and I have used a similar one for years. Without having more data it would be very difficult to give any useful advise. I can say, I doubt it’s a heavy metal release.

From my post on biofilm. Please read.

IMPORTANT; PLEASE READ: Updated, Update – 19 August 2014 (Original: 08 Aug 2013): I have been helping patients with H. pylori, a biofilm producing bacteria, for almost 7 years now. In the beginning, eradicating this bug was very easy, in my opinion. As time progressed I noticed that the same protocol I had been using was becoming less and less effective – on first-timers, not re-treatments. There are now H. pylori strains that are now ‘multiple drug-resistant’. Medically there is no real explanation for this. Energetically there is a very good explanation, for me anyway, based on the research done by Rupert Sheldrake, PhD on Morphic Fields and Morphic Resonance. Please read about his theory for further clarification.

Because of this new shift in loss of effectiveness, in some patients, I have had to use more than one round of products or add more products to the protocol. The end result has always been eradication but it’s now taking more to achieve this result. Also, there are many people contacting me and letting me know that they have undergone triple and quadruple therapies to no avail. This proves in my mind that biofilm and the bacteria that create them are learning to defend themselves more effectively. They are adapting and mutating, genetically, to survive. Good for them and bad for us.

My theory is that with the introduction of hundreds of blogs, chat-rooms and websites devoted to H. pylori and biofilm, more and more people are self-treating. This self-treating is not killing the H. pylori or eliminating the biofilm but to the contrary, making them both stronger by building-up the biofilm defense. Every time a bacteria that produces a biofilm is unsuccessfully treated it becomes more resistant to the next protocol. When this is combined with the theory of Morphic Fields, it’s no wonder that H. pylori and biofilm eradication is becoming harder and harder to achieve. The point of all of this is that there is still effective treatment options available, it may just take a little more time and/or more products, allopathic (Prevpac or Pylera) and/or natural to get to the desired end result – H. pylori and biofilm eradication.

Lastly, I am not against self treating per se. The issue is that the information, out on the web, on biofilm and H.pylori is not comprehensive or clear enough for the layperson to be their own doctor or to successfully self-treat. I have always advocated and promoted that if you want to get better with or at something, you need a coach who is an expert in that field or subject. There are times and places where self-help is good , but biofilm and H. pylori treatment is not one of them. This is just my opinion.

I was wondering if you knew of any lyme doctor around North Carolina or nearby that prescribes vancomyacin and daptomyacin for chronic lyme? I went all the way to D.C. to see Jemsek and 850$ later he handed me an advertisement for probiotics and an herb…I was really really pissed.

Charles, I would be pissed too! I’m sorry but I don’t have a referral for NC. I hope the $850 was for more than just an initial consultation; that’s very excessive. Keep searching, you will find someone.

Have you had any patients who have had issues with probiotics? I took one at the end of June and it seemed to have triggered something in my body (my WBC was even elevated at one point). It makes me think that something was “laying low” and this probiotic triggered it. I have a hard time digesting foods (mainly fruits and veggies). I can’t do any grains, sugar, raw veggies/fruit. I have been through lots of testing, but no one can figure it out. My organic acids test did show very high D-lactate, but not too high in other bacteria. I am continuing to do some stool testing (past stool samples were negative for parasites). I feel that I may be dealing with SIBO and/or parasites. Thank you for any ideas/suggestions you can provide.

Nicole, SIBO will do that. If you have an overgrowth in the SI and take a probiotic, it will just add more fuel to the fire. I have a very effective treatment for SIBO if interested. Please contact my office – 714-639-4360 – to set up a 15min phone consult (We need to make our relationship legal). It could also be ‘biofilm’ being disrupted and stirring-up some yeast. All of this should be handled fairly easily.

I am a person who never really suffered from gastrointestinal disease, until this last August, 2014. I am 64 years old and, up until that point, I was able to eat whatever I wanted. Since then, I have had a constant stomach ache or stomach upset. I don’t know if it is relevant, but I was in China in May. My GI Dr. diagnosed me with Spastic Colon (IBS) and put me on Dicyclomene, which did not help. I am now working with a clinic that specializes in functional and metabolic therapy. They are doing brain exercises, have placed me on a very restrictive, anti-inflammatory paleo type diet and supplements including termero active, nitric balance (both by Apex Energetics) and liquid zinc assay. I have not received all of my tests back yet, but from the ones we did get back, it has been determined that my nutrient elements are normal, toxic elements are normal, I have some food intolerances and most importantly, I do not have Leaky Gut, but my LPS IgA is Out Of Range (1.85) and my LPS IgM is Equivocal (1.90). My functional dr. added Biofilm Defense (Kirkman) and H-PLR (Apex Energetics) to my regimen to break down the Biofilm. The recommended dose for the Biofilm Defense is 1 capsule per day, but he has me on 6. We are waiting for the stool results to determine what kind of bacteria, parasite,etc. I may have. The reason that I am writing to you is because I have been on the diet and first 3 supplements for almost 1 month, and the last 2 supplements for a few days and I feel stomach is so out of sorts with unrelenting pain. Every time I eat, I experience some level of pain or discomfort. I have given up working with my GI, because all he recommends is staying on the dicyclimene. I am still working with my functional drs. but giving up hope. Shouldn’t something be working by now? I am so depressed and frustrated. Any ideas?
Thanks for taking the time to read my story.

Mindy, I understand your frustration. By the time most patients come to me they are where you are at – many doctors deep. I would really need to see your stool test and blood tests:(Minimum – Chem Panel, CBC w/diff., UA, SED Rate, Thyroid, Ferritin). Morning cortisol would be really helpful too. I can offer my consultation services on an as needed basis, if interested. For example: the H-PLR and Biofilm defense is a very weak biofilm protocol. The H-PLR is a natural antibiotic formula, not a biofilm buster. There aren’t any biofilm specific enzymes or iron binders. A lot of docs don’t truly understand how difficult it is to beat-down biofilm. The bummer is, that the more you fiddle with it, the stronger it becomes. You really need to hit it hard the first time. I can be another set of eyes if needed. Just a thought. I hope this little bit of information was of some help.

I fell ill in March this year (2014) with a right sided sinus infection,it was treated as bacterial.I started off on penicillin(co amoxiclav) or augmentin 3weeks,then metronizadole which made me ill,doxycycline 3days then was hospitalised on iv’s,discharged on clindamycin 7 days.with nystan.
I continue to have respitory,sinus and gastro problems now with pain in the groin area which runs up my abdomen.Constantly having to drink fluids or i dry up and get kidney pain.My mucus membranes and sputum are like glue.invisible blood in my urine periodically,silent reflux weight loss(unintended)Cronic constipation.Im a mess.
My local hospital keep discharging me saying my bloods are normal,no temperature.
I Suspect i have a fungal issue or candida my doctor put me on diflucan 7wks 50mg,reluctant to presecribe a hghier dose because a liver problem may occur.H bought a herbal parasite cleanse and a candida defense both capsule,then i got diarrea with black tarry spots and red raised rashes on my lower legs.Im juicing veg but not getting any better,i need help my gp and hospital are no help at all,when i have sex with my partner my foreskin gets swollen and reddens.I get swelling in the skin around my eye socket and nose and have had brown strings in my mucus.Im at my wits end and need advice,my body cant seem to fight this off,please offer me some advice.

Sorry to hear about all the bad body problems. There is too much going on for me to throw-out some generic advice. You need someone to do a thorough work-up and lay-out a long-term plan to build-up your body. Below is link to my distance patient program. If you are interested, please fill every form out and send with any lab test results that you have.

I’ve been a vegan for two years and am vectoring toward a raw vegan diet by the time I am 60. I’m full of Lyme now as well as my wife. We live in the woods and keep getting bit due to our indoor outdoor cats.

I’m a little taken aback by the lack of discussion of carvacrol in terms of a primary frontal assault on biofilm. The sheer number of supplements and juggling of dosage etc on this blog give me a feeling that they are NOT working.

I’m disregarding the rhetoric of long term Doxy on Lyme and am going on it for a year. I’m going to add probiotics daily at max dosage and adding sublingual carvacrol. In addition, I’m going to experiment with anti-biofilm products from Klaire labs to maximize the effect from Doxy.

I don’t mean to insult anybody on this blog, but if you need all these supplements that indicates to me that you aren’t having success. Dr. Gabe Mirkin is the most honest doctor I’ve encountered on a national basis and he treats Lyme according to research. That’s the way I’m going now.

We have chronic and recent Lyme. I’m experiencing numbness and arthritic symptoms. All recent since tick bite. I am not going to take ten different supplements. If I have too much inflammation then I’m defaulting to high doses of pharma fish oil per Dr. Sears.

Convince me otherwise. I think this is the best protocol. If you can prove results that are superior without turning me and my wife in to lab rats then fine. We will preserve our lifestyle and live the best we can. I’m not going to be a slave to extreme protocols.

I’m not here to convince anyone, that is not the purpose of my blog. The purpose of my blog is to share what I have learned from treating patients for over 25+ years. When you have had the opportunity to treat hundreds… of Lyme and other biofilm forming conditions in patients, then I want to hear what has worked for you. I study biofilm, literally, on a daily basis, as I have that and other terms “Google alerted.” This means that whenever a new article is published on that topic I get it. I also communicate regularly with some of the top biofilm researches to share pearls as well.

I looked into ‘carvacrol’ a long time ago. Carvacrol lacks the effectiveness to breakdown biofilm. Please read this: “…This inhibitory effect of carvacrol was observed at sub-lethal concentrations (<0.5 mM) where no effect was seen on total bacterial numbers, indicating that carvacrol's bactericidal effect was not causing the observed inhibition of biofilm formation. In contrast, carvacrol had (up to 8 mM) very little or no activity against existing biofilms of the bacteria described (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), showing that formation of the biofilm also confers protection against this compound."http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0093414

Courtney, possible benefits may come from following an alkaline diet (85% vegetables/fruits/nuts/seeds and 15% animal protein), alkaline minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc), Juice vegetables (carrot, celery and cucumber) and vitamin D3. There are others but I would need to know more about you. If overweight or elevated blood sugar, lose weight! If you would like a personalized program, please call me at 714-639-4360 to find-out about my distance patient program or go here http://www.advancedhealing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Distance-Patient-Program-revised-8-15a.pdf

I have pain all over my body I think I have fibromyalgia I been text for lyme one test was positive another negative and anther equivalent I don’t know if I have lyme or not. Please let me know what do you think. Thanks

Hi – Upon reading your “about” page I see that you help other drs struggling to have a successful practice and as a person willing to mentor I am reaching out for advice. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2012. I suspect I have lyme disease as well. I did get bitten by a tick in 2012. I do have 24 lesions on my brain. I have not worked since 2010. I have been treating my disease alternatively due to adverse reaction to interferon. I used to work in HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) for Time Warner. I worked all the time in front of a computer. I did reduce EMFs to help with disease management. However, I need to earn a living to pay for my medical care. I am not on disability and I do not have family/husband to help me.

I do not want to stop learning to heal my body. I read all the time. For example, I am trying Gerson Therapy now. However, I cannot go back to school as planned in 2010 because I have to pay dr bills. If I work in HRIS, they do not want me to have other career focus at night. How would you advise someone to transition in this type of situation? I have gotten better since 2010 (could not walk and removed amalgams than began walking). I am still with issues daily (spasticity on right side primarily) along with vision/hearing issues. I did IVs therapies (orthomolecular medicine) before I ran out of money. My IV dr was not into mentoring or educating me in anyway whatsoever.

I would appreciate any advice you could give because right now, I just feel lost in a sea of information and a deep sense of knowing that doing what I used to do is not good for me. However, I do not have 150K and eight years to go to school. I am sick now!

Thought I should add this:
Over the 28 years I’ve been experimenting with “cleansing diets” and detox, the one and only reliable way to set back the yeasties seems to be FASTING, pure and simple. Meaning, no food, no calories of any kind, just water and rest, maybe some light exercise the first day but mostly just rest.

The one thing that always mops up the herx die off is vitamin C but the problem is, as I see your site recommends not taking minerals because they might strengthen the biofilms, I have to buffer my C and find that the calcium and magnesium seem essential for sleep after knocking out a lot of the buggers. I normally take over 20 GRAMS of vitamin C a day, some of it as ascorbic acid powder buffered with potassium bicarbonate (from nuts.com) powder, but then later some buffered in the forms of calcium ascorbate and magnesium ascorbate. I don’t know how I would get through a few days even without ANY cal/mag/zinc/manganese/copper/selenium/chromium… geez, maybe that’s how I got all these biofilms in me!!!

Seriously, I feel awful if I try to go without minerals for a few days… years ago I didn’t take them while fasting, but now I seem to be unable to do without vitamin C and minerals even during a fast.

Peter, It’s mainly Iron that fortifies the biofilm. Yeast is also wrapped-up in the biofilm, so fasting alone may only give temporary relief.

1. If it were me, I would take your minerals and Vitamin C with food 2. Potassium bicarbonate with Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar at night before bed. 2. Quercitin 800-1000mg’s with each meal along with some curcumin should help with reducing histamine and inflammation.

I’ve had trigeminal pain attacks for 8 years. At first, the family doctor thought it was a sinus issue. It took 5 years to find an ENT who correctly saw it as trigeminal related, he thought trigeminal neuralgia. He sent me to a neurologist who said my version was trigeminal autonomic cephalgia. From what I’ve read, “cluster headaches” sound closely related.

The more I’ve gone back and forth with getting attacks and then using diet and sticking to a circadian-respecting schedule, and what seems to bring the attacks back, the more I think this is all about some kind of fungal or yeast infection/infestation in the sinus under the eye and probably also the whole eye or orbit or socket lining itself. I have a long list of reasons for thinking this.

I hope you continue your work but the one thing I wonder about and worry about, is whether it is inevitable to only strengthen the little buggers more and more each time we knock back the colonies. Like using anti-bacterial soap only allows the strongest bacteria to survive and they grow back and thrive… You mention self-treating of H. pylori being involved in worsening the bug’s ability to fight treatment.

I used to find olive leaf extract very effective, and pau d arco helpful. Now I’m not so sure they are working much anymore. What is maddening is it seems like there is some kind of balancing act where you have to accept their presence since they can never be totally killed off, and almost cultivate them like little unwelcome pets, yet not let them get out of hand. I’ve often found that when I am eating some of the yeast-causing foods but also taking most of the day to let them starve and using green juices and things like olive leaf, etc., somehow the attacks end. It feels like the bugs stay hidden if you don’t overfeed them, but if too much sugar or other such food too suddenly, they come out for a feeding frenzy and then the immune system goes nuts trying to clobber them, resulting in a painful trigeminal attack.
just some thoughts

I know this is may not be the answer you were looking for, but it’s the answer: Magnesium, Iron and Calcium can feed the biofilm by supplying it with some of the raw ingredients it needs to build-up its protective barrier. Take no supplemental minerals. Nattkinase or serrapeptase or lumbrokinse, along with lactoferrin might be helpful.

Dr.Ettinger,
Hi. I have been doing a biofilm protocol using Saccharomyces per a doctor I am seeing. I have been chealating for several months now for lead, mercury & other heavy metals. I have noticed that since starting the Interfase Plus & Saccharomyces, I have been having unbearable muscle spasms throughout my body-so intense that they can misallign my spine, causing me to practically live at the chiropractor’s office. Am I missing some important nutrient? Or is this a side effect? I cannot tolerate most probiotics as they cause me severe bloating and intolerable gas. I am intolerant to gluten & dairy. I wanted to try the VSL you recommended but I see it may contain dairy. Any other suggestions? Thanks, Rina

The Interfase also grabs-on to good minerals as well. If you are already low in magnesium, calcium and or potassium, you will not want to be on Interfase. You will want to talk with the doctor that has you on the Interfase to determine you options. I do offer distance patient consulting, if interested.

Also, If you can’t tolerate probiotics you will, most likely, not be able to handle the VSL#3. There maybe some products that may may you more tollerant but I would need to know more about you and your case.

Hello Doctor
My mother took a stool test and just found out today her h pylori and another parasite she had is gone. Does this mean the bio film is gone as well? She is thinking to take monolaurin, SF722, and probiotics first thing morning time as a preventative measure. Do you think that is necessary or is probiotic sufficient enough.

The biofilm associated with the H. pylori is gone. This is all I can say about that question.

SF722 is mainly for yeast/fungus and is not recommended to take, just to take. Monolaurin and a probiotic can be taken indefinitely. I would also recommend taking a digestive enzyme with HCl (hydrochloric acid) too – one with each meal.

How long does it typically take to clear up a biofilm issue. I’m sure this is a range and a difficult question to answer, but can you give an idea of how long it takes to clear biofilm and then how long it takes to heal the gut lining. Thank you.

My symptoms are very mild because(exessive saliva) i think i’ve started monolaurin and mastic gum with probiotics after antibiotics course and also taking cabbage and other juices every alternative day.

Also want to ask can i start whey protein shakes as i have stop my exercise after h pylori came +ve. I’m currently waiting for my second test.

I’m thinking result will be positive because i still have excessive saliva symptom. Considering i still got h pylori is it possible start on whey protein and weight exercise.

I found this page via a search on biofilms as I have chronic lyme. I had been on antibiotics for a while and they became, more or less, ineffective. I started to take stronger herbal antibiotics which produced a strong herx for a short time and they seem to have become ineffective also.

Therefor, a logical assumption would be to address biofilms. Your protocol looks good… I would be interested to know if you sell the whole group of necessary supplements (less the more common things like vitamin C / Coconut oil) and how much a month’s supply might cost…

I have treated 2 patients with scleroderma. I have also treated many with lupus, MS, Myasthenia gravis, RA and many other auto immune conditions. I have had good to great success with my patients. The key factors are how far along the condition has progressed and how willing the patient is to follow my recommendations. If I get someone who will do what I say and is on the treatable side of disease’s tipping-point, we can have amazing results. I would need to speak with you to get more details before I can make a specific recommendation. You can call me any time – 714-639-4360

Dear Dr. Ettinger, I am a very long standing Neuro Lyme Patient. I am currently experiencing a bad relapse, and am on ANtibiotics for Sero Negative Bartonella, and Neuro Lyme. I have a god LLMD in LA, BUT he is NOT addressing the Biofilm issue, and after reading your work on Biofilms, I am wondering if I am beating a “Dead Horse” at this point. I am 65 and have Medicare…….Do you take Medicare. ALSO, can you BUST open Biofilms at the same time as takin antibiotics. OR do you HAVE to bust open the biofilms FIRST and THEN take Antimicrobials. I live in La Verne and would love to see you if you take Medicare. God Bless, SUsan Peters

First off, I am sorry but I’m not a Medicare provider. You can call our office and we will let you know our fees. Secondly, following my biofilm protocol while on antibiotics is the best time. I feel that the protocol works synergistically with pharmaceutical and natural antibiotics and antifungals.

I know we talked but I just wanted to post this response to possibly help others. I do not feel that lipomas are affiliated with biofilm in any way. A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of adipose tissue. There are a couple possibilities to their development. One is a gene, HMG I-C, that’s related to obesity and the other may be due to Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance. No matter the cause, I suggest going on a low-glycemic, non-reactive diet. That means no: starch, beans or dairy. Check out http://www.robbwolf.com for more data on this (go to the FAQ section). I would also recommend phosphatidylcholine. It’s primarily found in Lecithin. I suggest 2 tbsp of Non-GMO lecithin granules mixed in a protein shake or in Greek yogurt.

Forgot to ask…Do you have any opinion of Apolactoferrin? The type of Lactoferrin that is unbound to Iron. I would expect it to be more effective at removing Iron from biofilms that bound Lactoferrin. Most manufacturers do not state what type they use and one can only assume they use bound Lactoferrin. The only source of Apolactoferrin I found was by Life Extension.

I would assume that ordinary Lactoferrin is better for getting iron into the blood and cells.

Do you have an opinion on the recently discovered mosquito-borne protozoan Protomyxzoa rheumatica (a.k.a. FL1953 – by Dr Stephen Fry of Fry Labs)? It is supposedly lipid-loving and strongly biofilm forming. There is very little information on it to date so we don’t know how widespread it is. I am sure you are familiar with it as you already recommend Fry Labs for biofilm testing using their advanced stain.

There is VERY limited data about the benefit of apolactoferrin over lactoferrin. I personally feel Life Extension has an in with the company that produces the Apo version. I don’t know for sure but that is my hunch. Personally, I will keep using Nutricillin by Ecological Formulas. It has worked for me over the years so I know I can trust its effectiveness.

As far as Protomyxzoa (FL1953) goes, I’m going to sit back and watch this fight play-out a little more before I jump-in on this one. You’ve got the vested interests; the real Lyme patients; the, “I have Lyme, but don’t really have Lyme people”; the chronic fatigue syndrome (I have a legitimate problem but can’t figure what it is) patients; and the Morgellon’s patients… all grasping at straws here or a rope to hold on to as their ship slowly sinks into the dark, cold abyss.

At the end of the day I put my faith in nature. Food can either be a medicine or a poison. What we put into or not into the body dictates, for the most part, our current and future state of health.

There is a lot more to this but I don’t feel like writing a book now. If you want to call and chat some time, please feel free. In fact we should do a post together. Call me at 714-639-4360

That’s quite a lot of Monolaurin – depends what other antimicrobials one is taking of course as they act cumulatively/synergistically. I guess it’s just a case of working one’s way up to the dosage. I saw your Monolaurin article before but it never clicked that its ‘non-ionic surfactant’ properties would make it good at dissolving biofilms, but effectively acting as an antimicrobial detergent! 😀 Good stuff!

Regulat – I’m still not 100% clear on why/how it works – if it is its enzyme content, its peptide/amino acid content, its vitamin content, it’s acidophilus content or its (indirect) alkalising action that provides the benefits and exactly what the biochemical benefits are.

Ascorbic acid – I am sure you have heard of people making liposomal Vitamin C but putting C powder into an ultrasonic cleaner along with water, lecithin and baking soda. Then taking it orally in small dosages. It is reputedly better absorbed than taking the C straight. Do you have any opinions on that please?

@ Jason – Klaire Labs’ Interfase Plus – contains 250mg of enzyme blend and 125g of EDTA, a total of 375mg. 2 capsules is thus 500mg of enyzmes plus 250mg of EDTA. I don’t notice any uptake of EDTA into the blood and my kidneys are quite sensitive to EDTA. Interfase contains 500mg of enzyme blend per capsule.

Can yeast get so out of control that it can possible take over many parts of the body, esp. the skin and cause biofilm to grow over/in/around the skin?

Also, can yeast get to be systemic anc grow hyphae fromm a human body?

I have been to allergists and they did the skin testing but also drew blood for the yeast. I was told I have an allergy to mold, yeast, and gluten and that I have a STRONG allergy to yeast. The Dr. put me on Nystatin with 12 refills. I did not feel the Nystatin was helping.

I am working with 2 Drs. now because I have to take Warfarin for the rest of my life and I wanted to try Diflucan, which increases the affects of warfarin. In Dec. of 2010 I was diagnosed with DVT and PE. I was on Warfarin for a year and they did an ultrasound on my leg and all clots were gone. Also did a D-dimer and results were 200. So I was then taken off warfarin. 1 month later I had to go to urgent care because I had such terrible shortness of breath. I now had DVT again and a huge blood clot in each lung. Did a CT Scan on my lungs and a D-dimer which was now 9,000. Would recurrent PE and now bilateral, come back that quickly? Is it possible that biofilm could have something to do with this?

I respect your answers and know I gave you alot here and it is hard to answer all without actually seeing a person. General answers would be deeply appreciated.

I have been battling biofilm on my skin with an enzyme formula containing Cellulase, Hemicellulase, Glucose Oxidase, and Xylanase. It does help to remove it but I want it completely gone.

Biofilm, as far as I know and have researched, will not grow on the skin. Here is where biofilm can be found on the body: mucous membranes, surgical implants/catheters and wounds.

Yeast can be systemic and mutate into a fungal form.

As far as DVT goes, I would have your sed rate and CRP tested to see if there is a chronic inflammatory state going on in your body. If so, I recommend astaxanthin, high gamma fraction vitamin E, Nattokinase (fibrinolytic enzyme), alpha lipoic acid, MSM, magnesium, quercitin and other bioflavonoids, resveratrol – to start. This may sound like a lot but it isn’t.

Diet is just as important. I would get your triglycerides around 100, glucose around 88 and urine pH between 6.5 and 7. Eating a plant based diet will also help. Don’t worry so much about the sugar in fruit as it’s mainly fructose. You want to stay off all starch!

About how long does it take to eradicate biofilms (get rid of infection) on your protocol?

Is it absolutely neccessary to be off magnesium, calcium and iron? (which is why I ask how long to rid oneself of the biofilms). I have extreme insomnia and can not sleep more than a few hours without these supplements.
My particular ailment involves the gut..loose stools after intravenous antibiotics/c-section, so I dont seem to be absorbing nutrients.

Usually 44-66 days and yes it’s very important to stay off mineral supplements, especially iron. If you have to take magnesium then try transdermal magnesium. It can be found by looking-up magnesium oil on Google. Try a combo of potassium citrate (orally) and rubbing on magnesium oil. Rub on and let sit for 1 minute and wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

I have been taking Interfase Plus for 2 weeks now. I am on a protocol to combat my possible parasites. I think I may be having side effects from the Interfase as my parasite symptoms have been as bad or worse while on this regimen. I am scared that I have been misdiagnosed, wondering if the protocol could be giving me such side effects which are the same as my worst symptoms of why I am being treated.

I am taking 2 Interfase/day, 4 Tinidizol, 4 Berberine, probiotics, Bentonite. I have been looking all over the internet for some kind of answers. I am scared that I will never get better. I am unemployed and don’t have the stamina to do what I need to do.

When I had my first round of protocol in December I had 2 weeks of feeling great and remembered what “normal” is for the first time in a year. Now on the second round – higher dosage of Interfase. I am sick as a dog – same as the original symptoms.

The protocol you are on, if you have parasites (protozoa), should handle the problem. Having the correct diagnosis is very important though because the medication can potentially create negative GI symptoms.

I don’t know anything about your case so it’s hard for me to comment more about your situation.

My last question is in regards to the EDTA in Interfase Plus (I’m sure this has been beat to death)…

You mentioned it’s a small amount of EDTA. Do you have the exact amount?
Is there something we can do to safely replenish calcium levels while taking EDTA, without feeding more biofilms?
I worry about hypocalcium and kidney stones too

I don’t know the amount of EDTA as it is not listed on the label. I do know it’s a small amount.

No disrespect here but calcium loss is really a non-issue. The EDTA will be working predominately in the stomach and the loss will be in mcg’s not grams. Also, the formation of kidney stones has more to do with magnesium deficiency then it will ever have to do with calcium deficiency.

Cistus Tea seams to work only on oral biofilm. See link below. I personally like
Biotene Gum or Biotene PBF Oral Rinse for reduction of oral biofilm. The
advantage to Biotene is that it can be bought at Walmart, Walgreens or Rite Aid.

Plasmanex1: Plasmanex1 does not breakdown biofilm by itself but will assist in
the process when used with other products and its not easy for the average
consumer to locate. A more readily available, like product is either nattokinase
or serrapeptase. Both decrease blood viscosity through reduction of fibrinogen
just like Plasmanex1.

May I congratulate you on a very informative article on your web site. Thank you for sharing this information.

I am not sure if it is an oversight, but you may want to clarify the references to Lauric acid. I am probably telling you what you already know here. Monolaurin is a monoglyceride fat containing one molecule of Lauric acid and one molecule of glycerol. The vast majority of fats are composed of triglycerides (i.e. 3 fatty acid molecules bonded to one molecule of glycerol). In the case of Coconut oil, it contains triglycerides of Lauric acid and other fatty acids. It does not actually contain any ‘neat’ Lauric acid, or solitary Lauric acid molecules. Monolaurin is hugely more antimicrobial than trilaurin from what I’ve read and experienced. So monolaurin is likely to be more effective as an antimicrobial agent that coconut oil. However, coconut oil contains other fats and has other benefits. How effective monolaurin vs trilaurin is in terms of attacking bacterial biofilms I do not know. Do you know what the mechanism is? Do they dissolve into the biofilms as they are lipid soluble and kill the bacteria by their antimicrobial properties? Are they able to penetrate the biofilms?

Lauricidin is a brand of Monolaurin, so I presume you were referring to Ecological Formulas’ Monolaurin in the above instance. I don’t know which is better quality, but Lauricidin is in pellet form whereas EF’s Monolaurin comes in capsule form. I had two of my practitioners muscle test Lauricidin on me, at various times, and at no point did it test positively on me! I still used it though lol

You mentioned Nutricillin above, by Ecological Formulas. This contains Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) which has been referenced by others (e.g. Dr Klinghardt) as being able to break up biofilms to some degree. Nutricillin also contains other helpful ingredients here such as Lactoferrin, Colostrum and Lysozyme. The Lactoferrin I understand helps to bind with iron in the biofilms and remove them. Do you know what the mechanism of OLE is in the context of biofilms? I’ve already read that Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is anti-biofilm, but perhaps not to the extent of OLE.

Although Klaire Labs’ Interfase Plus contains EDTA, the standard Interfase product contains significant more enzymes per capsule, so I’m not sure which is going to be ‘better’. However, I have various oral EDTA supplements already so I think Interfase may be a better option in the short term. I am going to try both out. Have you heard of Dr Neidermaier’s Regulat? Dr Klinghardt highly rates it, more than Nattokinase or Serrapeptase, but it may depend on the individual. I’ve personally not noticed THAT much difference from Regulat so far but will be comparing it to the other enzyme formulas. Nowhere really tells us what the exact ingredients are however.

You recommend ascorbic acid. Everyone seems to recommend a different type of Vit C. Straight Vit C will of course be acidic, especially if one is taking high dosages, and can lead to the ‘runs’. Do you see any benefit in taking buffered Vit C in terms of its buffering capacity (to help buffer acidic byproducts of breaking down biofims) and being able to tolerate higher dosages without too much intestinal irritation?

On a final note, do you believe there are significant differences between the basic biofilm protocol supplements when it comes to tackling fungal or bacterial biofilms? You have listed some additional antimicrobial agents and enzyme formulas, but in terms of the initial list in section A…

Also, as some of our beneficial flora form ‘good’ biofilms, these will to some degree be disrupted by such a protocol I would expect – but less than the ‘bad’ biofilms?

Any comments you might have would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again for all the information and wishing you a Happy New Year!

As for coconut oil, it just supplies the precursor ingredient in bulk. The body will work it’s magic and make tons of wonderful monolaurin.

Lauricidin and Ecological Formulas Monolaurin work just as well in my experience. I used Monolaurin for years and now I’m using Lauricidin, due to it being cheaper per dose. I’m using 1 tsp 3x/day with most patients.

About Nutricillin: The two most potent ingredients in Nutricillin are Lactoferrin and lysozyme. Lactoferrin being hands down the main active ingredient. The others play an important, synergistic role. As far as olive leaf extract goes, I’m not quite sure where that fits in. It could be because of its antioxidant polyphenols and Oleuropein. I have read PubMed articles where olive leaf extract have been useful as a bactericidal compound but I have not read any credible data where it was tested as a compound used to breakdown biofilm. I’m still a fan of OLE. Another not on Lactoferrin: “azole” resistant candida/fungal infections become treatable with the additio0n of lactoferrin. I recommend a combination of Nytsatin, Fluconazole, Nuticillin and monolaurin for systemic infections. I’s a bomb and works every time.

Interfase and Interfase Plus can bot be used and still achieve a good result. I usually use the Plus version first and then switch to the regular version. The EDTA in the beginning helps to weaken the biofilm by removing the iron and calcium. There is just enough EDTA in there to work on the stomach but not enough to have any major systemic benefit, unless taken over an extended period of time. Those with chronic lung infections, Chlamydia pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, will benefit from long term use.

Regulat: I love Regulat and use it to rehabilitate the blood terrain. It is not so much a treatment as it is a foundation builder. It just makes everything else I give a patient work better. It’s like mending unfertile soil. It can in some instances take up to two years to rahab soil to yield proper crops. With products like Regulat you cut that time down to weeks or a few months. Sea salt is anothe product I use for this task but in this case it’s used as an electrolyte builder.

Ascorbic acid: At doses of just a gram or two a day should have not adverse effects on even the most sensitive digestive system. I don’t like buffered because it will contain calcium or magnesium, which we want to avoid in excess.

Biofilm differences (the good, the bad, the ugly): As far as I have seen in treating hundreds of biofilm patients, biofilm is biofilm – period. Any addition I add is purely synergistic to the main protocol. Taking a broad-spectrum probiotic during the protocol will handle any disruption to the native bacterial colonies.

Dear Dr. Ettinger I would like to order Interfase Plus from you.Also I need advise for biofilm protocol.I was infected with chlamydia trachomatis 3 years ago.I am HLA B27 positive and I developed reactive arthritis.It is very serious and getting worst.Please advice how to remove chlamydia biofilm and therofore stop arthriris.I will pay you for a protocol please write me back to my email.I really need your help.Thanks

Dr Ettinger do you offer the testimg with Fry Labs? If so what is the cost? I am very interested in looking into biofilms. I am a CFS patient who had 13 amalgams removed about 15 years ago. Muy health improved after lots of time and work but plateaued about 5 years ago. I still really suffer with GI issues and sleep problems. I have sinus problems, joint and muscle pain that moves around, stay very tired most of the time. Doctors think I am in the early stages of an autoimmune disease. I have tested positive for XMRV by the WPI, CPN confirmed by Dr Stratton,H pylori, klebsiella, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and EBV. I would want to be tested before starting a detailed protocol because I know it would cause lots of issues as the biofilm breaks down before one would see improvements. I am willing to deal with the side effects only if I feel the end justifies the means. Thank you.

There is a 100% chance you have biofilm, so spending the money on validation would be a waste. If you still want testing, we can do it.

It sounds like you have a lot going on and would benefit from knocking down some of the bugs living in your body. Making the bugs more susceptible to eradication by the body, innately and by natural or chemical agents, can only be achieved by reducing the biofilm that is housing and protecting theses bugs.

It appears that you have some very definitive ideas about how to get rid of these organisms.
I would be willing to offer myself as a guinea pig if you create a daily diet (the what to’s and what not to eat regimen) and protocol of supplements for me to follow. I would also be quite willing to pay you for your time and supplies.
What do you say about assisting me in this project?
If it works, you have me to attest to the success of your efforts.
I would even be willing to adjust the protocol if at first your original plan needed some refinement. Let us work on this project together and if you can come up with a solution, you would potentially have a great deal of clientele needs to meet. There are a lot of suffering people out there with Morgellons. Many have more serious issues than I am dealing with.
I promise not to publish your protocol or any variety thereof.
I will leave this up to you to offer to the universe.
I realize and respect the fact that you have to make a living but you have also made it quite clear that you care. I Got it! You have integrity and so do I.
You have the potential to help a lot of people out there and last estimated, there are about 30 thousand sufferers who have no where to turn. I read that it is at pandemic levels in the US. Apparently 90 something % is in the US mostly in California, Florida and Texas. I was living on the NJ shore when this happened to me.
If you would agree to work with me, I will supply you with my medical information.
I am quite healthy and do not consider myself a risk in any way.

I have Morgellons Disease. I came down with it Sept. 2010. I have been on a holistic protocol, vegetarian diet, distilled H20 only, various supplements, alkaline forming diet, peroxide and Epsom salt baths every day, Manuka nasal and eye washes, tea tree oil diluted in Grape seed oil body washes, periodic colon cleanses, etc etc etc. I originally was treated for lyme’s by a Dermatologist with Doxycycline for one month with no effect. I discovered that my symptoms were indeed Morgellons after many hours on the internet doing research. I was a pre-med major.

Recently an Internist treated me with Anti Fungal meds. It helped to some extent. She refused to continue treatment after two weeks with the explanation that it was toxic.
My condition has improved but it is far from gone. They are primarily in my nose, eyes and on my face and upper back. I do not have major sores that are consistent with many other Morgellon sufferers. But I do have some eruptions caused by the exiting of sand like tiny granules from the areas mentioned. Especially in and around my eyes and on my face.

Can you help me? Do you have a protocol for Morgellons?

There is presently much information to support that the Morgellons organism is a genetically manipulated organism (GMO) created by a company that created an insecticide for crop dusting. I believe this company is situated in California. It is also documented that Morgellons is reaching pandemic proportions and is all over the world. But the majority of cases are in California, Florida and Texas.

There is so much information on this subject now. I pour over new information every day.
So, can you help me? If you can, I blog almost every day on a Morgellons Blog network and I will shout it to the world if you have the solution to eradicating it these miseries.

Yes, I was exposed to black mold about 6 months before I came down with Morgellons. But, I also had a hip replacement about 10 months before I came down with Morgellons.

How do we isolate the source? Right now I am interested in the solution.

In 22+ years of treating patients I have never treated anyone with Morgellon’s disease. I have been asked questions about it before and have done a little research over the years. The only advise I can give is very generic and based on what I might do if I had similar symptoms.

Monolaurin is an amazing base for most conditions that have a viral or bacterial component to them (2400mg’s/day would be the minimum dose, more may be needed per day). Vitamin D (6,000IU’s/day would be a starting dose and blood tests are needed to achieve a level between 70-90ng/mL). An enteric-coated, multi-strain probiotic is also a must. I would add a couple important antioxidants to help support any increased oxidative-stress going on: Alpha lipoic acid (1200mg’s/day, NAC (Now Foods brand only – 2 caps 2x/day). Iodoral (50mg’s a day for 3 months then 12.5mg’s/day thereafter). Lastly, I would make sure I had a good balance of EFA’s: Mollecularly distilled fish oil, organic flax seed oil, borage seed oil, and to emulsify all of it – non-GMO lecithin granules.

Diet: I would avoid all gluten containing products, as well as cow’s milk products.

I am a retired fire fighter, EMT. Since retiring I have had 5 major operations on my legs, etc., I have taken much smoke, fire smoke plus all of the antibiotics from the operations. Now I have celiac disease and candida.

Do you sell the products you are talking about? I have a hard time taking 10 different products, 3 to 6 times a day.
Thanks, Tom

Could you tell me if bladderwrack tea is good for killing pylori? I am on the manuka honey right now- should I take them together? Am following on Amy Kings blog and discovered you there… If bladderwrack tea is good then will a couple of cups a day do the trick? And for how long?
Am suffering from constant burning in my stomach and have been diagnosed with pylori last month through endoscopy..

There is only anecdotal evidence (Dr. Peter D’Adamo) that the fucose, found in Bladderwrack will “wash-away” the H. pylori. Personally I doubt it will have that effect. I am also not going to be recommending it to my patients. Manuka honey is also a mild, at best, treatment for the H. pylori bacteria. I wish I could tell you that this will work but I really don’t have much confidence in these two as treatments. Sorry.

Hi I am taking nattokinase, lumbrikinase, and wobenzyme to try to break up biofilm. Is this useless? Do I have to add other things to this? Is there something relatively basic I can add to this, or a way I can revise this so it will work? I also have high levels of mercury and am getting my amalgams removed. Should I stop lyme antibiotics because of the biofilm?

You are missing a few key ingredients to make the biofilm protocol effective. Also, getting the mercury out is important, if it is truly causing problems, but there are products that you should be on while undergoing the process. My recommendation would be to become a distance patient and use me as one of your coaches. This will save you a lot of time, money and effort. Getting on the exact protocol, for you, is very important will all you are doing and have going on. Here is a link to my “forms” page – http://www.advancedhealing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=18. Click on the Distance Patient Program Form for more details.

I read your protocol and find it very interesting and complete. I do have a couple of questions for you.
Why do you recommend InterFase Plus, Wobenzym N, Serrapeptidase, Nattokinase and Lumbrokinase? Arent some of these enzymes quite redundant? I like the evidence ans write up from Klaire/Prothera about the InterFase Plus. I would add Serrapeptidase, but why Lumbro and Natto and a whole other enzyme like Wobenzym? since I thought the activity is useful mostly on fibrin and not polysaccharides like the other enzymes. If you would let me know how the additional enzymes are helpful that would be great.

I’ve heard that there are Cardio Docs using Tetracycline as a adjunct for biofilm for EDTA protocols. What are your thoughts on that?

I understand the emphasis that you put on Liver support and I like your recommendations on those. Thank you for your information.

Please go back and reread my responses to comments made on my biofilm protocol page and look over my protocol again. Nowhere do I say to use all of those enzymes together. I only use InterFase Plus, nattokinase (my preference) or lumbrokinase, and serrapeptase (only if there is a pain or inflammatory component).

Tetracycline is used in limited biofilm protocols, mainly lyme patients. Lymes patients would be the predominant beneficiaries to the addition of tetracycline.

Expensive is a subjective thing. InterFase is $33 a bottle and my patients usually need 2-3 of them. I feel is is a very important product and I know of no replacement. Olive leaf extract is good and if combined with Cumanda from Nutramedix, it should do the trick.

I still wonder what your opinion is on the fact that the borrelia and the biofilms seem to feed on the oral forms of magnesium and this is not so, when given through IV. This is worrying me because I don’t want to feed the organisms and make them more reseliant.

Reading your reply correctly you say that I definetly need all three enzymes serrapeptase, lumbrokinase and nattokinase if I want to really effectively breakdown the biofilms??

The thing I still don’t know is if it is nessecary to treat with the enzymes first for a while until a peak level is achieved at which the biofilms a dissolving and then start with the antibiotics?? OR…. is it OK to start with the enzymes and the antibiotics at the same time?

I know nothing about you or your condition other than what you sated above. To recommend a protocol based on that request could get me in a lot of trouble. I do offer a distance patient program and I will e-mail you the document that goes over the procedure. I know I can help you but we have to do it right. Half-assing it is not going to benefit either of us. If this is not acceptable, my blog posts do offer a lot of data on that subject.

Very happy to read your biofilm protocol. Recently I’ve been diagnosed with chronic lyme and I’ve had a long history of illness. I’ve been cleansing and purifying and detoxing my body now for e few years. Now that I am finally clinically diagnosed with lyme I can start the lyme treatment with antibiotics, herbs (Buhner protocol) and some vitamins and minerals.

By my doctor there is much confusion about the magnesium and if the spirochetes and biofilms really feed on it. I don’t know what to do. Should I stop taking magnesium all together? My body needs it badly because the Borrelia is eating it….

Also IV treatment with magnesium are too expensive for me as my insurance does not cover this. And then there are other issues that are unclear to me regarding the biofilms. Many doctors here in Holland know very little to nothing about this.

One of the major questions that I am concerned about and having read about is that it is useless to start antibiotics and herbs if you have not dissolved the biofilms first. What is your opinion on this? Does it approximately two months for the biofilms to dissolve? I have read that the spirochetes quickly move into deeper tissue and into places where they cannot be reached and also change into cysts.

Starting an antibiotic protocol might provoke the spirochetes that are active in the biofilms to change forms and move all together into harder to reach places in the nervous system, etc. I am a bit scared. I want an effective and strong treatment plan and I don’t know what to do. So one of my main concerns is, if it is OK to start with antibiotics and the herbs and the enzymes at the same time? Do you know which antibiotics are the cyst busters as well?

I can’t even get the supplements here in Holland that I need and that you mention in your protocol.

I am missing the Lumbrokinase though? I thought that all three really worked well together?

I am sending you this text message from the Netherlands. I have informed here by Now foods and Klaire Labs but they don’t import the Serrazimes and InterFase Plus.

Is there a possibility to buy supplements from you and have them shipped overseas?

You also mentioned that there is a pre, post and toxin reduction step as well to this biofilm protocol. Can you send this to me? I really need help on this. I feel like I am standing alone on this here in Holland.

If you are not taking the InterFase Plus than you CAN take magnesium. InterFase Plus contains EDTA which chelates metals, so you would have to take it about 4-6 hours away from any mineral supplement.

There is a Lyme treatment called the Marshall Protocol which advocated NO vitamin D of any kind. I believe the exact opposite. My clients are on 6K-10K IU’s of Vitamin D daily and they are doing great. A potent, broad-spectrum probiotic and the amino acid NAC is also very important.

If you can get Wobenzym, Monolaurin (600mg’s per cap) and any enzyme product that some or all of these: Glucoamylase (with isomaltase side chain activity), Chitosanase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase (xylanase) and Pectinase Complex, Beta-Glucanase, Lysozyme (from egg white), Serratia peptidase (enteric-coated).

You do need either the Lubrokinase OR the Serratia peptidase to be truly effective.

If you have friends in England, they can order the products and ship them to you. Just a thought. I don’t have the resources to research (mailing) and send out the products. I am sorry.

Pre treatment is easy and is continued until everything is resolved. No gluten – wheat, rye or barley based products, No lactose (cows milk, ice cream) and No sucrose (table sugar). Eat any and all vegetables, fruits, meat/fish/chicken, nuts, seeds and beans.

Here are the two best cyst busting drugs for Lyme: metronidazole (Flagyl) and tinidizole (Tindamax or Fasigyn).

I got my Interfase Plus two weeks ago but have been too scared to take it because I’ve heard of some really bad die off reactions from people after just one capsule. Can I start off by opening the capsules and taking half of it in water or on the tongue or something?
thanks

Why not ask the company that you bought the InterFase from. I sell that product you know. Keeping exchange in is a good thing!

Just my opinion here, reading reports from chat lines is only going to cause trouble. Most people who have successes don’t post there. It is usually those looking for help, or those that had bad reactions or when products didn’t work.

I have never had anyone experience bad die off. I can’t guarantee that will be the case with everyone.

I just came on your site recommended by someone in regards to treating candida. For years I have felt unwell (Fatigue, adrenal issues, thyroid issues, depression on and off, migraines (for 20 years), hives at times etc etc). After two major surgeries in June and November of 2009 things just plummeted. I have felt worse than ever and basically unable to function most days. Over the years I have seen several doctors, had numerous tests and have tried countless treatments. Sometimes there was relief from symptoms but I never really felt the cause was addressed. Last month a doctor did a stool test from Metametrix and it came back +3 out of 4 for fungi/yeast, and it said I had no parasites. He put me on Diflucan 200mg 2x day for two weeks but really gave no other instructions. I continued the treatment and I am now in my 3rd week. After reading so much research on yeast/candida I continue to get more and more confused on what protocol to do. This has lead me to you. I would appreciate any thoughts of help you could give me.

Currently I am taking Diflucan, a Probiotic, Vit C, B complex, and Magnesium. I have always eaten pretty healthy (no sugar, white flour, processed foods etc). I have also been eating Gluten Free (100% for a few weeks previously about 75%) and Dairy Free (for years I use almond, rice or hemp milk). In the past week I have tried the Candida Diet where I eliminate fruit, brown rice etc.

I read your information above that states “Only the eradication phase is presented here. There is a pre, post and toxin reduction step as well. I will add these soon.” I am curious to know your thoughts on what I might do. I am feeling lost and overwhelmed and what to do and where to go since there is so much information out there.

Sorry for the long post I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and help

First off, this is my personal thought on Diflucan and not a recommendation for you to change your protocol, unless agreed to by your prescribing doctor. Diflucan works better if given over a long period, rather than a huge dose over a short period. The best protocol I have found, and this is after trying different variations – one being the one you are on now, is: 200mg’s once per week for 12 weeks, followed by 4 week off, followed-up with another 6 weeks on. This protocol is a total of eighteen 200mg tablets.

Yeast, especially when it mutates into a more virulent fungal form, is incredibly difficult to treat but not impossible. When you have millions of years to learn how to only do three things, you learn them very well. Feed, breed and defend – that’s it! So, a slow and steady approach is more successful that to bomb them all at once. One way to help with you eradication is to add Monolaurin (1200mg’s 2x/day) and Biotin (5,000mg’s/day). Biotin helps to stop the conversion of the yeast into the fungal form. NAC form Now Foods, which has molybdenum in it, is key to mental clarity and detoxification of acetylaldehyde. Acetylaldehyde is a nasty byproduct of chronic yeast/fungal infections and is the main cause of fatigue and the foggy feeling in the head in those with chronic candida.

If you need any of these products, please call our office – 714-639-4360. I hope this will be of some help to you.

With the limited data provided I feel uncomfortable making a recommendation one way or another. As a general recommendation, I feel safe to recommend NAC. It supports detoxification in the liver and is a precursor to glutathione (GSH), a very potent antioxidant. NAC also helps the body detoxify heavy metals.

I don’t use that product but after looking at it you can do up to 2 per day; more is not advised. It will not replace Interfase Plus, as it is just a fibrinolytic enzyme. Interfase Plus helps to breakdown the mucopolysaccharides as well as supplying the metal chelating (binding) agent, EDTA.

I didn’t actually buy any of the susbtitutes I asked you about because I was too impatient to wait to order them before I got your reply.

For detoxification I bought Thorne Basic Detox Nutrients which contains the molybdenum, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin C and NAC + a million other things.

Instead of ‘Interfase’ (I can’t get any shipped to the UK), I bought ‘Braggzyme superior systemic enzymes’, which contains the required serrapeptidase, nattokinase, as well as Bromelain,Papain, Protease, Lipase. It was the closest to Interfase I could find and seems good quality.

Now a couple more questions if you don’t mind:

I read this about dissolving biofilms:
”The other theoretical issue is that the biofilm may be holding on to toxic metals such as aluminum and lead. As this toxic biofilm degrades, heavy metals may be released into the gastrointestinal tract for excretion”
Will Jarrow Formula ‘ToxGuard, heavy metal detox’ help incase of sudden toxicity?

Are the other supplements ineffective without monolaurin? Or do they just work less effectively? I haven’t aquired any monolaurin yet, but I did buy lactoferrin.

You say there are ‘pre’ ‘post’ and ‘toxin reduction’ steps as well as the actual ‘eradication’. Now, since you haven’t yet put up the other stages, is it safe for me to embark on the ‘eradication’ stage as long as I take the detox supplements and drink plenty of water and do FIR saunas at the same time? Is there anything important I should do before I the eradication?

The amount of metals released will be negligible; I would get too concerned over that. The Thorne product you purchased will help with metals as well as liver detoxification.

As far as monolaurin goes, it really helps to have it but you still may get benefit without it. Try extra virgin coconut oil if you can get it. 1/2 tbsp 2x/day will give you a good dose of lauric acid which will be converted to monolaurin in the body.

Additional steps that you can take is to consume plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with a potent, multi-strain probiotic.

Hi Dr Ettinger, I work as a research associate in a Lyme and related diseases clinic in Washington DC. I have been in discussion with the ID but he needs convincing evidence of the efficacy of monolaurin before he can add it to his protocol. We currently use only nattokinase and I can’t convince him to add monolaurin because I wasn’t able to find any testimonials to its specific benefits with regards biofilm destruction. Also, do you think monolaurin works synergistically or additively with nattokinase? Thank you and please do keep up the good work.

Monolaurin at 2,400mg’s/day works synergistically with Nattokinase and the other enzymes I use. There is no one product that works alone at eradicating biofilm. I have used my protocol over 100x on various conditions where biofilm has been the reason for the chronic condition not responding to conventional treatment. 40-60 (sometimes a little longer) days on the protocol and retests are coming back negative.

Your doc will do what he/she wants and for THEIR own reasons. I write my posts just to get it out of my head. If someone wants to investigate my findings then they will have to try it for themselves and not just take my word for it. Good luck.

Hi!
I am very excited about discovering biofilms and your site. I have been trying to get rid of my candida for 5 years and have come to the conclusion that it is because of biofilms. I live in the UK, so it’s a little harder for me to get hold of some of the supplements. I have a few questions.

Would ‘Now Foods, Liver Detoxifier & Regenerator’, be suitable for phase 1 & 2 detox, in place of the Tyler Encapsulations Detoxification Factors?

Lots of the enzyme formulas has Apergillus in them, is it best to avoid Aspergillus if possible? I hear some people can be allergic to it. Is that why you suggest Interfase? It doesn’t appear to contain Aspergillus.

Is it safe for someone with low blood pressure to take Nakkotinase and serrapeptidase?

Culture of harvested biofilm showed an inhibition of the growth of the different species included in the biofilm. Conclusions: There is a clear inhibiting effect of xylitol on the formation of the experimental biofilm.

Please remember this is just in an experimental model. There is a lot going on in the human mouth and we need live (in vivo) studies to show whether it’s going to be effective there. If you have found something on that or if you do in the future, please share it with me.

I read both abstract when it first came out and even did my own follow-up investigation on the issue. Here is the problem: there aren’t any D-amino acid (combination) supplements on the market to assist in the breakdown of the biofilm. I still feel that the biofilm protocol I have come-up with is a pretty good one. I use it daily in my practice and get very favorable/predictable results, at around the 66 day mark of treatment.

Thank you for taking the time to send me the data and I will post new research as comes down the pike.

I am a patient of Dr. Brownsteins in Michigan. I am using the interfase product and everything marked in red in your protocol. I am having herz reaction everyday and pushing through. My inflammation in my joints is unbearable. I am going to start pushing a phase 2 detox product which is a huge issue for me. Any other suggestions?? Should I slow it down a little? Do biofilms regenerate like candida or not as quickly?? Should I tackle antibiotics next? I have had Lymes approx 12 years. I feel like I am in good hands but no one seems to be one the same page with Lymes.

First and very important is to eliminate gluten (wheat, rye, oat and barley) and dairy from your diet. This is a MUST and will help the inflammation in the joints. Deficiency of “phase II” nutrients is a common finding with most chronic conditions. Adding those nutrients back in should also help a lot. Additionally, I like adding 6,000IU’s vitamin D to the daily program (Liquid Vitamin D Forte by Biotics Research). Let me know how this works out.

I was wondering what you thought about adding Manuka Honey to this biofilm regimen as it is known to kill MRSA when externally applied….MRSA is extremely difficult to treat even with antibiotics….Also, I am under the impression that when Manuka Honey is taken internally that it is converted by the body to hydrogen peroxide in a stable form that I believe would help….Google “hydrogen peroxide” and “manuka honey”….and please let me know what you think….

Thank you for the question. I have been using Manuka honey, as a food, since the Synergy Company first introduced, Healing Honey, in the US. Mitchel May and the Synergy Company are a one of a kind producer of specialty nutritional products and I highly endorse them.

Manuka Honey is a wonderful product and would be a great synergist to any nutritional protocol, but on it’s own, lacks the potency to be a stand-alone product. Personally, I feel it is a wonderful, medicinal food and should be consumed as such. This comment comes from almost seven years of using and testing the product at home and in my practice.

External use of Manuka Honey is totally different than what will occur if taken internally. Yes, it is an amazing external product for MRSA.

I have been following Page Therapy off and on over the last 3-4 years. It is promising, but we will not see it an a convenient therapy for quite some time. My recommendation is to stick with what you are doing.

Prevention is the key. Vitamin D, magnesium, A probiotic and omega 3 fatty acids should be taken by all. These are the most common nutritional deficiency there are and because of this, predispose the population to every named condition there is. This is just my opinion though.

When is the protocol done and for how long? – “Hard to say w/o you here. Best guess w/o knowing anything about you is 2-4 months. Biofilms don’t just vanish forever, never to appear again. The protocol is designed to knock them down enough so that your own immune system and the nutraceuticals can work more effectively.”

Taken every day? And for how long? – “See above”

I’m using chelex for metals and I want to throw in an enzyme for biofilm dissolving. – “See my protocol.”

But I only chelate on weekends so I’m trying to find the right protocol for me. – “My protocol may be for you it may not. I can tell you that it won’t hurt to try it and see what get’s better.”

Thank you very much for such a prompt response and information! I’m intentionally not supplementing Magnesium (it’s at the lowest end of the normal range) or Iron as I do not want to feed the biofilms (plus CPN uses and “eats” iron –don’t want to feed the beasties!)

I will definitely check out the methylation supp’s (am debating whether to spend the $’s for Dr. Yasko’s Methlylation pathway testing). I already take 10,000 units of Vit D/day (my level was 18 when I became ill and is now only 50 after 3 yrs of supplementation of Vit D)

I prefer natural vs allopathic treatment (I had a WONDERFUL DABCI back in my home state) but because of the life cycle of CPN have chosen the route of ABX (with tons of supplements and probiotics, of course) If I didn’t live on the opposite side of the U.S. I would schedule an appt. with you 😉

Again, thank you very much, you site has great information. I will watch for your additional posts.

I have been looking on your site for the “pre, post and toxin reduction steps for biofilms which you stated would be added. Have I missed it?

P.S. I have been on LT ABX combination therapy for C.Pneumoniae [developed/patented by Vanderbuilt U.’s microbiologist Dr. Charles Stratton] http://www.cpnhelp.org …. took me down big time from (disabled, wheel chair, lots of fun stuff) now, after 3 years am getting my life back, only to discover I probably have serious biofilm issues. One Capsule of InterFase Plus caused MAJOR Herx reactions… My tests still show low mag/low ferritin and high CPN, EBV and HHV6 titers… makes sense to me! Found your site doing a query on biofilms…. great stuff.

I’m in the process of completing that write-up. In the mean time it would be wise to get of a phase II detoxification product. I like Tyler Encapsulations Detoxification Factors – 120 Caps. Herx reactions are primarily caused because the body lacks sufficient phase I and II nutrients. My recommendation would be to get on an ISO100 whey protein, Biotics liquid vitamin D forte – 8,000IU’s per day and the Detoxication Factors.

Thanks so much for this informative post. I have babesia and lyme and am a strict vegan. I have a few questions:

1) Are there vegan alternatives to Klaire Labs’ Interfase, which is made from egg whites?

2) I have heard that Bromelain breaks down biofilm. Is this correct? If so, what dosage would be good to take?

3) I have been told that you need to get rid of the babesia because it blocks the body’s ability to detoxify and it must be gotten rid of before working on lyme and its co-infections. Does babesia also have biofilm? Is this a good way to get rid of babesia?

Thanks so much for this informative post. I have babesia and lyme and am a strict vegan. I have a few questions:

1) Are there vegan alternatives to Klaire Labs’ Interfase, which is made from egg whites? The only one I can think of is Digest Platinumn by Now foods. It doesn’t have the EDTA, but should work just fine. Make sure you utilize the other components of the protocol.

2) I have heard that Bromelain breaks down biofilm. Is this correct? If so, what dosage would be good to take? Stick to the protocol and then if you want to add to it, that’s okay.

3) I have been told that you need to get rid of the babesia because it blocks the body’s ability to detoxify and it must be gotten rid of before working on lyme and its co-infections. Does babesia also have biofilm? Is this a good way to get rid of babesia? I can’t say w/100% certainty but I would hedge my bets in that direction. Olive leaf extract is my product of choice for babesia. NAC by Now Foods will help with phase II liver detoxification.

Doesn’t natto and serrap cause excessive bleeding if cut? – No
Is xylitol effective against biofilm? – No
What if you’re controlling blood pressure with magnesium? – It may help by itself, but is better when combined with a low glycemic diet and exercise.

You offer a good overview of biofilms and you’ve offered a good basic explanation. Furthermore, your diagram makes them a bit easier to understand. These substances are so prevalent, our company actually creates products that are biofilm resistant…